The Heidelberg Catechism

LORD'S DAY 1

Q. 1. What is your only comfort, in life and
in death?

A. That I belong--body and soul, in life and in death--not to myself
but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid
for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he
protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from
my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his
Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and
ready from now on to live for him.

Q. 2. How many things must you know that you may live and
die in the blessedness of this comfort?

A. Three. First, the greatness of my sin and wretchedness. Second, how
I am freed from all my sins and their wretched consequences. Third, what gratitude I owe
to God for such redemption.